A nurse is caring for a client who is 36 hours postpartum.
The nurse’s notes indicate the following: Breasts are soft, warm, and tender to touch. The client denies any nipple or breast discomfort.
The fundus is boggy, located 1 cm above the umbilicus and deviated to the right. The fundus becomes firm with massage.
The client reports abdominal cramping and rates the pain as 8 on a scale of 0 to 10. The perineal pad shows a moderate amount of lochia rubra.
The client has been given an analgesic.
After reviewing the information in the client’s medical record, which of the following complications poses the greatest risk for the client?
Postpartum hemorrhage
Infection
Thrombophlebitis
Pulmonary embolism
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Postpartum hemorrhage is a serious condition characterized by heavy bleeding after childbirth. In the scenario described, the nurse’s notes indicate that the client’s fundus is boggy and located 1 cm above the umbilicus, which becomes firm with massage. This could be a sign of uterine atony, a leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Additionally, the client reports abdominal cramping and rates the pain as 8 on a scale of 0 to 10, and the perineal pad shows a moderate amount of lochia rubra. These are all signs that could indicate a postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
While infection is a possible postpartum complication, the symptoms provided do not strongly indicate an infection. Symptoms of a postpartum infection typically include soreness, tenderness, or swelling of the belly or abdomen, chills, pain while urinating or during sex, abnormal vaginal discharge that has a bad smell or blood in it, and a general feeling of discomfort or unwellness.
Choice C rationale
Thrombophlebitis is a condition where an inflammation in a vein is caused by a blood clot, affecting normal blood flow. It commonly occurs in the legs but can occur elsewhere in the body. The symptoms include swelling of the affected area, redness of the affected area, tenderness of the affected area, warmth around the affected area, and pain. However, the symptoms provided do not strongly indicate thrombophlebitis.
Choice D rationale
Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot gets lodged in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow to part of the lung. Symptoms can include shortness of breath or chest pain. However, the symptoms provided do not strongly indicate a pulmonary embolism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Intermittent abdominal pain following the passage of bloody mucus can be a sign of labor or other complications, but it is not a typical finding that supports the diagnosis of placenta previa.
Choice B rationale
Painless red vaginal bleeding is a classic symptom of placenta previa. This occurs because the placenta is covering part or all of the cervix, leading to bleeding as the cervix begins to thin and open in preparation for labor.
Choice C rationale
Abdominal pain with scant red vaginal bleeding could indicate various conditions, but it is not a typical finding that supports the diagnosis of placenta previa.
Choice D rationale
Increasing abdominal pain with a non-relaxed uterus could indicate various conditions, but it is not a typical finding that supports the diagnosis of placenta previa.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While blunt force trauma can cause placental abruption, it is not the most common risk factor. Trauma can lead to abruptio placentae, but this is more likely in cases of severe injury.
Choice B rationale
Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for many pregnancy complications, including placental abruption. However, it is not the most common risk factor.
Choice C rationale
Cocaine use can cause abrupt vasoconstriction and is a risk factor for placental abruption. However, it is not the most common risk factor.
Choice D rationale
Hypertension is the most common risk factor for placental abruption. Chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia can all contribute to the risk of developing this condition.
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